Jetstar A320 Makes Historic Trial Landing at Western Sydney International
SYDNEY, Australia — A Jetstar Airbus A320 has made a landmark trial landing at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, marking a major step forward as Australia’s newest major airport prepares to welcome its first commercial passengers.
The Jetstar A320 arrived from Melbourne at approximately 9:30 a.m. on 1 September, becoming the first passenger jet operated by Jetstar to land at the new Western Sydney airport. The flight formed part of the airport’s extensive Operational Readiness Program, designed to test aircraft operations, airport systems, staff procedures and the passenger experience before opening day.
Testing the complete airport operation
The trial was about much more than simply landing an aircraft.
Jetstar crews practised the arrival and departure procedures they will use once regular passenger services begin. Ground teams also tested the aircraft’s taxi route to the terminal, aerobridge positioning and turnaround procedures.
Hundreds of volunteer passengers have also been participating in airport trials, allowing WSI and its partners to test the passenger journey — including check-in, security screening and movement through the terminal.
Jetstar Chief Pilot Tyrone Simes described the operation as a significant moment for the airline, noting that Australia has not opened a major new airport of this scale in more than 50 years.
The trial gives Jetstar several weeks to identify potential issues and refine procedures before passengers begin flying from Western Sydney.
Jetstar to make history in October
The airport is scheduled to begin commercial passenger operations on 25 October 2026, when Jetstar flight JQ362 is scheduled to depart Western Sydney for the Gold Coast at 11:00 a.m.
Jetstar will become the first airline to operate a commercial passenger flight from Western Sydney International.
From launch, the airline plans to operate services to Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Brisbane, all using Airbus A320 aircraft. Jetstar is expected to provide around 135,000 seats per year to and from Western Sydney.
A new chapter for Sydney aviation
Western Sydney International is designed to complement Sydney’s existing Kingsford Smith Airport and will operate 24 hours a day, providing additional capacity for passenger and cargo operations.
The new airport represents one of Australia’s biggest aviation infrastructure projects in decades and is expected to become an important gateway for Western Sydney and the wider region.
With the Jetstar trial now completed and passenger testing continuing, Western Sydney International is entering the final stage of preparations before its official passenger launch.
